Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations with Russia to establish peace, but despite public statements, the Russian side does not show readiness for a real conversation, President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters in Mariupol in the Donetsk region.

“As soon as Russia publicly says that it is ready to talk about de-escalation, ready to talk about bilateral relations, every time after that we turn to Russia with a request for this meeting to take place in one format or another. But apart from their public position, in reality they are not ready to communicate with us, they do not want to,” he noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again stressed that Ukraine is ready to talk. “I am ready for any format,” he added.

The head of state also said that Ukraine, as a responsible country, filed official requests and tried to contact Russian President Vladimir Putin when the risks of escalation on Ukrainian borders increased due to the concentration of Russian troops.

“Ukraine is not left unanswered, but this answer does not lead to a meeting. No one confirms the telephone conversation either,” he said.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is also interested in the initiatives of other countries offering assistance in organizing a meeting with the Russian side.